Smooth Eid travel: Long holidays, effective management make a difference

Highlights:

• Longer holiday period allowed travellers to leave Dhaka in phases
• It prevents congestion and eases pressure on transport systems
• Opening of Elenga-Rangpur, Dhaka-Sylhet 6-lane highways
• Efficient toll collection and active monitoring by law enforcement agencies 
• Helps prevent traffic bottlenecks and ensured smoother vehicular movement
• Transport associations actively work to eliminate extortion and fare hikes

Holidaymakers are enjoying an unusually smooth Eid journey this year, thanks to a series of well-planned government initiatives, infrastructure development and proactive management by law enforcement and transport authorities.

The improved travel experience can be attributed to multiple factors, including better road conditions, the opening of two major highways – the Elenga-Rangpur six-lane highway and the Dhaka-Sylhet six-lane highway – as well as increased police vigilance, an efficient toll collection system, and the absence of extortion on the roads.

Additionally, transport owners and workers have actively participated in maintaining traffic discipline, according to sector insiders and officials.

Professor Md Hadiuzzaman, a communication expert and former director of the Accident Research Institute at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said the extended holiday allowed people to leave the capital city in phases, preventing the usual congestion caused by mass departures.

"In previous years, everyone tried to leave Dhaka at once, exceeding road and transport capacity, leading to chaos. This year, the phased departure helped authorities manage traffic better," he said.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Professor Hadiuzzaman also credited the newly opened highways for significantly easing travel. However, he emphasised the need for long-term planning, including decentralisation of industries and urban facilities, to sustain such smooth journeys in the future.

Transport associations have taken a strong stance against extortion and fare hikes. 

Subhankar Ghosh Rakesh, secretary of the Bangladesh Bus Truck Owners Association, echoed Professor Hadiuzzaman's views.

Speaking to TBS, he said this year's Eid travel saw a phased departure from Dhaka, preventing significant pressure on bus ticket availability. 

"In fact, some bus schedules were cancelled due to low passenger numbers, indicating a good balance between demand and supply. Consequently, no passengers were left without tickets," he said.

"The smooth Eid journey allowed us to provide good passenger service, and we were happy with the authorities for ensuring effective management," he added.

Speaking to TBS, ASM Ahmed Khokon, treasurer of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, said, "We announced war against extortion and fare hikes."

"Our teams are monitoring terminals to prevent extortion, fare hikes and ensure smooth bus movements. Buses are not stopping unnecessarily to pick up passengers, reducing congestion."

According to authorities, with these combined efforts, this year's Eid journey has set a new benchmark for hassle-free travel. The authorities also outlined that they have started taking initiatives to ensure a smooth Eid journey earlier.

The Bridges Division has taken proactive steps to ensure seamless toll collection and smooth vehicular movement during the upcoming Eid holidays, according to Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf.

"We began troubleshooting well in advance of Eid to uphold the government's commitment to hassle-free travel. All other stakeholders also support us to this end," he stated.

He added, "To expedite toll processing, we have significantly increased manpower at all toll plazas and added extra booths to handle the expected surge in traffic."

The secretary shared that backup teams and systems are on standby to immediately address any technical issues that may arise. Special attention has also been given to potential vehicle breakdowns, with quick response teams positioned to assist stalled or outdated vehicles on approach roads and bridges.

"We've stationed wreckers on both ends of all major bridges to promptly remove any crippled vehicles from the roadway," the secretary explained.

He also noted that the extended holiday period provides additional flexibility in managing traffic flow, allowing for better distribution of vehicles throughout the travel period.

 Meanwhile, Home Adviser (retd) Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the government's people-centric initiatives and effective management have ensured a hassle-free journey. 

"We are making all-out efforts to ensure safe and convenient travel for Eid and a secure return to Dhaka after the holidays," he said.

 Md Ehsanul Haque, senior secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department, said the government is committed to ensuring a smooth and secure Eid travel experience for all.  

He reiterated that authorities have coordinated with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, police, and transport associations to ensure no extortion, overcharging, or harassment occurs.